Area Canvas Flashcards
On completion of the AC phase the OC must submit a report outlining the circumstances of this aspect of the investigations, what matters must the report contain
Summary of all action taken
Any significant findings highlighted
Attention drawn to any action that has been taken which was outside the original phase stratergy
A detailed master record of ongoing progress should be continually maintained and updated,= for the area canvas, what things should this master record show?
What addresses have been visited
Which occupants have been interviewed
The documentation completed
Any relevant comments made
How to keep up moral of staff- area canvas team
proved regular feedback of how the enquires are contributing to the progression of the investigation and updates on the progress being made
Key points for team briefing
Summarise the situation and detail duties and areas of responsibility
Emphasise the need for thoroughness
A Questionnaire is only a guide and is flexible - ask other questions if required
evidence of possible vlaue must be obtianed in a FWS, rather than notebook
Visit the canvas area to record every address, includeing flat # to correlate to maps
Ensure all forms are completed and actioned as outlined
compare completed locations with master copy to avoid double ups
Advise staff on -
What to do if they belive they have ID the suspect
Action to take if locate evidence
What to do if people refuse to assist
How to complete correspondence
What info can and not be disclosed
What alternative approaches can be made to area canvas
Media
poster campaign
Mail drop
high profile police presence using a mobile police vehicle.
How can specialist police units assist the OC area canvas during the planning stage
Criminal profiling or geographical profilers may be consulted to assist with setting parameters or locations where suspects are likely to frequent or reside
What resources should area canvas seek to obtain
Suitable street maps,
Aerial photographs showing houses/sections
Geological info
Counsel records
For area canvas, Witnesses may include?
those who have witnessed-
Events connected to the incident
Sightings of the victim/offender before or after
Sightings of potential witnesses
Sightings of relevant property
For an Area canvas, time parameters should be set for
Time of the offence - same time as when the offence is thought to have occurred
The scene - times where people have visited the scene
Sightings - times when the victim/offender were last seen in that location
Previous residents and visitors
Consideration of peoples varying work hours
Once parameters have been set, intel systems should be analysed to establish if there are any people or events in that area where enquires should be aware of, this may include what?
Violent offenders
persons wanted by Police for other crimes or wanted on warrant
Groups with particular linguistic or cultural needs
Local incidents or issues which residents may raise with police
When deciding on the parameters for the area to be canvased, what are some relevant locations
Where the victim, witness, offender have been present
Where the offence took place
where vehicles, property or exhibits have been found
Premises within the line of sight of the scene
Access and egress routes to and from the scene
Where the offender may have lain in wait
Last place victim seen alive
Locations or premises frequented by the victim
Locations of similar or previous incidents ID’d by intel having occurred locally
Why could it be important to conduct and area canvas at the time the offence occurred?
to capture people who regularly pas through the are at that particular time of day, eg a homicide of a person in n park in the early hours of the morning.
What are the main objectives of an area canvas
Identify and locating evidence, such as vehicles, discarded clothing, weapons and other articles
Identifying an offender
Identifying Witnesses
Gathering Information
What are other benefits of conducting an area canvas
Sightings of the victim or offender before of after the event
Sightings of relevant property or vehicles
Sightings of potential witnesses
Obtaining an accurate record of the local community
Obtaining key information to develop lines of enquiry
Creating the opportunity of an early arrest through early ID of offender
Promoting awareness of significant occurrences
Eliminating unidentified witnesses/vehicles
What are the responsibilities of OC Area canvas
Reports to the OC investigations and together must ensure that the canvas is conducted thoroughly and recorded accurately
Must ensure the area canvas team remains focused and that results in efficient use of resources and the return of relevant information and material
